Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
2/5/23
The fierce wind and freezing temperatures certainly presented us with some bone-chilling weather. It is amazing how 25 degrees can suddenly feel warm! I think my car is rather happy to be kept in a garage, since several friends had cars that refused to start on Friday.
I just happened to be looking out the window when I noticed a dark creature gracefully loping across the ridge beyond my sugar house. Fisher cats as they are often called, are actually part of the weasel family and most of us have heard horror stories about the fate of domestic cats at their hands or more accurately paws! Although they are not large, they are strong and fast on the ground and able to climb trees in pursuit of prey. One year a friend and I followed the tracks in that same area.
Please note that the Windsor Central Unified Union School District will have a public informational hearing at Woodstock School Library at 6:30 PM on Thursday, 3/2 to discuss articles to be voted by Australian ballot on 3/7. You can find the details on the Plymouth Town website under “warnings”. There are also directions for how to access the meeting via Zoom. As some of you may be aware, the need for a new middle and high school has been under consideration, so this will provide an opportunity to learn more on this important and financially sensitive issue.
Don’t forget that our Town Meeting is approaching on Monday, 3/6, with voting by Australian ballot on 3/7. This warning is also on the Town website. I apologize that I am not certain what is being voted on Monday night and what requires voting by ballot on Tuesday. I will attempt to clarify this information for next week. I believe there is a Select Board meeting this evening, 2/6, although I do not see an agenda posted.
Perhaps some of you have already participated in the “Love Your Library” Auction being held online to benefit Fletcher Memorial Library. From 4-6pm on the final night, 2/16, folks are invited to come to the library and join staff/volunteers as the auction wraps up and to enjoy goodies from Pop’s Biscotti and Chocolates, as well as other tasty treats. If your bid is successful, you can even pick up your prize!
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/29/23
I really don’t have much to report this time because I was out of town for a week. I do want to thank friends and neighbors who have picked up my mail, watered my plants, filled my birdfeeder, plus, plowed and sanded and shoveled for me! What a terrific place to live…
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/22/23
Well, it certainly is looking like winter again around here! The recent storms seem to have brought a multitude of winter enthusiasts to our area. From what I understand, some snowmobile trails are opened, but the terrain is still rather limited. Trails marked red are closed and some are marked yellow which indicates there will likely be rough spots. More snow is predicted this week, so conditions should be improving.
Please note that the Maple Crest Farm presentation at the Fletcher Memorial Library, postponed from last week, has been rescheduled for Tuesday January 24th at 7PM. The back door off the parking lot will provide access.
I love to provide news on the exciting adventures of our local youth. Beatrix Hagge took part in the Royal Regal Gymnastics meet in Essex Junction, VT on 1/15/23. She is fairly new to gymnastic competitions, but did very well. Congratulations are in order as she won 2nd place for balance beam, 7th place for bars, and 10th place overall, all of which were for the Bronze level.
Please note the results of last week’s election. The Bond issue allowing the Select Board to borrow up to $800,000 was approved by a vote of 94 to 55. The other 2 articles authorizing the SB to appoint the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer were also approved by a margin of 120 to 29 votes. That means that moving forward, these positions will not be up for election. The voter turnout was quite low and even the mail-in ballots were much fewer than the previous special vote.
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/15/22
So many visitors have come to our area this weekend! I have heard mixed reviews on the skiing and I don’t believe the snowmobile trails are open. Still, I imagine that local businesses are keeping folks fed and happy.
A reminder about the special town meeting on Monday, 1/16 at 6:00 PM to answer questions/concerns regarding the three articles for which ballots were mailed out. If you have not sent them in, voting will take place on 1/17 from 10 AM to 7 PM at the Town Office. You may attend via Zoom:
Please note that Tesha Buss has a new email address – TBuss@leg.state.vt.us
She has been chosen to sit on the Education Committee and is looking forward to exploring Education finance in depth. She is also a member of the Rural Caucus, the Climate Caucus and the Women’s Caucus.
She is sharing these important links that I am noting below:
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/9/23
It is difficult to know what to wear these days with fluctuating temperatures. Streams seem high with all that rain. The slight coating of snow did whiten things up, though. The Reading Group will be meeting via Zoom on Wed, 1/11 at 6:30 PM to discuss Family Tree by Susan Wiggs.
The Plymouth Historical Society will be hosting a Sunday afternoon children’s movie “Clifford, The Big Red Dog”, next Sunday, 1/15 at 2PM at the Plymouth Community center. Juice and cookies will be served. Please bring a quilt or yoga pad for young children to sit on. The Historical Society Museum will also be open. Masks are optional.
I happened to be looking at the Short Term Rental application that can be found on the Town website, under ordinances in the Town Administration section. I understand that only about 1/3 of the owners of these residences has followed through with the application process. it appears there are many safeguards to protect perspective renters, owners, and the public.
Warning Voters in Town of Plymouth
There will be an informal meeting regarding the three articles on the official ballot mailed to voters in the town of Plymouth. The informational meeting will be held in the municipal building auditorium at 6 PM on Monday 1/16/2023 at the scheduled select board meeting. It’s purpose is to answer any questions or concerns voters have regarding the three articles. Voters may cast their vote by submitting their ballot to the clerk on or before Tuesday, 1/17 or in person on Tuesday, 1/17, when the polls open between the hours of 10 AM and 7 PM
Voting yes on Article #1 would authorize the Select Board to apply for a bond up to $800,000, in additionto the $950,000 that was previously set aside and approved. Voting yes on #2 would allow the Select Board to appoint the Town Clerk. Voting yes on #3 would authorize the Select Board to appoint the Town Treasurer
I have been asked to note the town positions that are coming up for re-election. They are: Selectmen, Lister, Trustee of Public Funds, Cemetery Commissioner, and Moderator. All are 3 year terms, except the Moderation position that is a 1 year term. Please note we are not sure of the Town Clerk & Treasurer position until the special vote on January 17th.
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
1/1/23
A new day, a new month, and a new year! Although the weather on New Year’s Eve was not perfect, fireworks seemed to be exploding in many places. I did not stay up for midnight (I am just too old), but was awakened by loud bursts in the neighborhood by those reveling in the New Year.
Anyone interested in watching the recent housing meeting (12/19) may do so at http://www.okemovalley.tv. It appears that the VHIP program may have been inundated with applications and may not accepting new ones at this time.
Remember you must register for Health insurance by Dec 15 for a January 1 start date. Also take note that the income thresholds were increased allowing more Vermonter’s access to tax credits to lower their monthly premiums!
BROADBAND
It is likely that Federal funds are coming to VT to help install more Broadband infrastructure, but many of the Federal map locations state that broadband is available at locations where broadband doesn’t exist yet. Be a part of the solution to get broadband to every house in VT, no matter how rural! Click on this article below to learn more and to follow the links to check the status of your home and business. It is very simple to challenge your location, if the map says broadband is available when it is not.
VT Digger Article to Challenge Errors in Broadband:
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
12/26/22
It seems like the deep freeze is lessening a bit, although the high of 20 degrees today (Monday) is still rather nippy. I hope that electricity has been restored to everyone, although there may be a few customers without power. I feel so fortunate to have Ludlow Electric because we rarely have an issue.
I attended the 12/19 meeting at town hall, where much information was presented by Tesha Buss and Jill Davies about housing needs. It was stressed that big, new structures are not always an easy solution to the housing crisis in our area. VHIP (Vermont Housing Improvement Program) hasgrants available to allow existing homes to be modified to provide separate living space for another resident. Go online to their website and also learn about the Healthy Homes Initiative (HHI) that provides additional grant funding that offers property owners supplemental grants ranging from $500 to $30,000. These grants can be used to fix leaking service lines, old plumbing, replace outdated fixtures (sinks, toilets, dishwashers, laundry) with high-efficiency devices, and install new water systems (wells and septic systems) and water efficiency improvements as part of VHIP housing rehabilitation projects.
Home-sharing is another way to provide additional needed housing and the Thompson Senior Center (802-457-3277) is offering a service to help connect people. The newly reimagined HUB helps folks to explore resources. It began operations in December 2022, building on the results of WARF. In 2020 and 2021 our community raised and distributed nearly one million dollars of assistance to residents of Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading and Woodstock. Last winter, The HUB ran a pilot project to provide fuel assistance. Working with funding partners, we distributed $103,00 to 100 people.Woodstock Community Trust and Ottauquechee Health Foundation are sponsoring organizations. Funding partners include Barnard Helping Hands, Faulkner Fund, King’s Daughters, Pivotal Steps and Plymouth Memory Tree. For more information, call 802-457-7214, email: apply@thehubneighbors.org or pick up an Application: Outside the Ottauquechee Health Foundation office at Simmons House at 30 Pleasant Street, Woodstock.
I do not feel like I have a handle on all of these resources, but it is nice to know that there are options to help enhance living situations that can benefit us all. Mike Coleman was on hand at that meeting to provide Planning & Zoning information on the subject. It was suggested that Plymouth might want to form a Housing Committee, so anyone who is interested can let Tesha Buss know at 802-245-4746 orteshaforvt@teshabuss.com
Many blessings to everyone for a happy and healthy New Year!
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
12/18/22
Well, it appears that we will have a white Christmas with the recent snow. I have learned that I can shovel 2 feet of snow off my deck – in 3 and 4 inch increments! It is a winter wonderland, but I know that many folks have experienced lengthy power outages. Those with generators have weathered the storm better… (for my friend, Gerry)
I wish I had known to alert folks to the Candlelight Service at Tyson Church on Sunday, but I just happened upon it on my way home. It was a nice way to present the true meaning of Christmas. Erik Johannson and a friend provided wonderful music to help celebrate the season. If you are seeking a Christmas Eve Service, please note that there will be one at 7:00 PM on 12/24 at Bethany Mennonite church, 169 VT-100A in Bridgewater Corners.
I understand that there will not be a Select Board meeting on Monday, 12/19, but the housing discussion with Tesha Buss will still take place at 7:30. Many of us likely know people who would like to live in town, but are unable to find or afford housing here. I have no solution, but it will be nice to put our heads together and consider this issue.
Thanks to Cassie for sharing the notice printed below.. We have two delightful parks in our town. I would think that folks might like to provide feedback about them.
Vermont State Parks Seeks Public Input for Parks Modernization Study
Parks staff is working collaboratively with park and recreation professionals from BerryDunn, a national consulting firm. The study is scheduled to be completed by early spring, with a final report being issued in May 2023.
This study will provide a comprehensive assessment of the state park system including park amenities, operations, maintenance, revenue, and program delivery. It will identify key challenges, and resources needed to maintain core services and enhance offerings to meet current and future demands.
Nate McKeen, Director of State Parks elaborates, “Throughout the years, with considerable public support and prudent management, Vermont State Parks have weathered societal changes and economic challenges of all sorts. Now, as we approach the 100th anniversary of Vermont state parks in 2024, and as park visitation continues to increase, this study will help us create a road map for the future of our state parks.”
FPR is seeking public input and feedback about the park system, its infrastructure, programming, prices, and innovations. Input is being collected via a link on the state parks’ webpage, vtstateparks.com, and will consist of three ways to provide feedback: a community forum for open dialogue, a category-based ideas page, and a short survey. Additional information about the study and timeline is also available. Input will be collected through February 15, 2023.
McKeen continues, “The parks enrich the quality of life for Vermonters and visitors, and contribute significantly to community prosperity, tourism, and the outdoor recreation economy. Because of this vital role state parks play in Vermont; we really encourage everyone to share their thoughts and ideas with us as we help to build a better park system for all.”
Stephanie Brackin (she/her) | Communications CoordinatorVermont Agency of Natural Resources1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05620(802) 261-0606 | stephanie.brackin@vermont.gov
Wishing everyone a blessed Holiday season, plus health and safety for the New Year!
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
12/11/22
Writing on Sunday evening as the snow is falling lightly. There seems to be an inch or so, but three are predicted. I bet the ski areas are pleased after all of that rain!
Come enjoy the Fun Day for all ages on Saturday December 17th from 10am – 4pm (come when it suits your family) at Bethany Birches Camp. Lunch Provided!
Here are the Reading Group choices for books over the next 3 months. Happy reading!
1/11 — Family Tree by Susan Wiggs
2/15 — The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
3/22 — Flying Solo by Linda Holmes
From the Select Board – Community Discussion: Housing in Plymouth, 12/19 at 7:30 PM
There is a lot of talk about the ongoing housing crisis in Vermont by employers, families, government and non-profits. The local discussion will be held in the Plymouth Municipal Building and will start with locally identified needs and possible solutions. Our local State Representative Tesha Buss will join us to share what she has learned about Government Funding for Accessory Dwellings, and Moderate Income Housing Development, as well as the HomeShare Vermont program and Plymouth local government representatives will be there as well for zoning and infrastructure questions. If you are interested in helping to solve the problem, someone who’s housing needs are not fully met, investing in a project, or just learning more, please join us. Okemo Valley Television will be providing coverage and zoom video conferencing support. Please contact jkullman@plymouthvt.org if you have questions.
Also, Rep-Elect Tesha Buss Windsor-5 (www.teshabuss.com) has shared some resources.
Programs for Individuals:
Rebates for energy efficiency/electrification projects
Help with heating
Funding to repair vacant rental units or add an accessory dwelling unit
Emergency rental assistance
Child care financial assistance
Subsidy for groceries
Subsidy for internet service
Help with utility bills
First Generation Homebuyer Grant
Funding for projects that spur economic recovery (like housing or childcare projects, or agriculture, arts, recreation or food businesses)
Funding for agricultural and forestry businesses
Health insurance plans and subsidies — remember you must register for Health insurance by Dec 15 for a January 1 start date. Also take note that the income thresholds were increased allowing more Vermonter’s access to tax credits to lower their monthly premiums!
BROADBAND
It is likely that Federal funds are coming to VT to help install more Broadband infrastructure, but many of the Federal map locations state that broadband is available at locations where broadband doesn’t exist yet. Be a part of the solution to get broadband to every house in VT, no matter how rural! Click on this article below to learn more and to follow the links to check the status of your home and business. It is very simple to challenge your location, if the map says broadband is available when it is not.
Pick up an Application: Outside Ottauquechee Health Foundation at Simmons House, 30 Pleasant Street, Woodstock. Feel free to attend the Christmas Eve Service at Bethany Mennonite Church at 7 PM on Christmas Eve. All are welcome
Note from Jennifer Coolidge Harville Hello All! I saw Bill at the Coolidge Holiday Open House this past Saturday. He looks wonderful. He is walking a couple of miles each day. Well rested. Taking time to do the things that he wants to do.
No snow at the Notch. Rainy, but a good core group attended. This was my first time attending the Open House. Rejoice’s mom did a hand crank sewing demonstration, we stenciled cards, Terry G. guided wreath making. The tree was set up in the Wilder Barn. President Coolidge, aka Tracy Messer, made remarks and then lit the tree. He offered some information about the Coolidge years in the White House. Did you know that Mrs. Coolidge had 200 roses sent out to the business owners in DC where she purchased holiday gifts?
We sang carols at the church with the accompanied by Steve Morse on the pump organ and Rejoice Sherry played violin. It was beautiful. Between hymns ‘President Coolidge’ shared more anticdotes about Coolidge White House Christmases 1923-1928.
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